Jazz vs Warriors: Klay Thompson Moved to Bench for the 1st Time in 12 Years

Klay Thompson might be having the worst season of his career. And his misery continues tonight. The Golden State Warriors are going head-to-head against the Utah Jazz. For the first time since his rookie season in 2012, Klay will not start the game for the Warriors and will come off the bench.

Head coach Steve Kerr revealed the Warriors’ starting line-up for tonight’s game. And the NBA World was shocked to see rookie Brandin Podziemski replace Klay Thompson in the Starting 5. Podziemski will be accompanied by Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green.

Klay is having one of his least productive seasons, averaging only 17 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. And Steve Kerr has finally decided to hand over the reins to the young players on the Warriors roster. However, the decision to bench Klay against the Jazz could prove wrong because he played great in Monday’s game against the same team. Klay finished with a game-high 26 points and 6 rebounds on Monday and led the Warriors to a dominant 129-107 victory.

Despite Klay’s impressive performance against the Jazz in the last game, Kerr believed he was not the right player to start the game tonight. This decision could negatively impact Klay’s confidence, as he is already having trouble dealing with getting benched during crunch time.

Kerr has frequently benched Klay during the closing minutes in recent games because of his inconsistent performance. Even in yesterday’s game against the Clippers, Klay made a huge blunder that eventually cost Stephen Curry and Co. the game. With less than 40 seconds remaining in the game and the Warriors down by 3 points, Klay intentionally fouled Russell Westbrook and sent him to the free-throw line. The Warriors ended up losing the game 130-125.

This could be Klay Thompson’s last season in Golden State

With the way Steve Kerr is gradually decreasing the usage of Klay Thompson, we might be witnessing Klay’s final season with the Warriors. Klay is in the final year of his 5-year $189 million contract. He could test free agency after the end of this season if he does not reach an agreement with the Warriors. The Warriors are yet to re-sign Klay because there has been a discrepancy between what he wants and what the Warriors are offering him.

Read More: LeBron James to Warriors Trade: Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and One Fan Favorite Star Would Have Suffered the Axe

Klay is no longer the superstar he once was during the Warriors’ Championship runs. And this year might be the time the Warriors front office decides to break up the core of Steph, Klay, and Draymond. Do you think benching Klay Thompson is a subtle hint of things to come after the end of this season?

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